The new institution, Kings Tirana, will open its doors in September 2018 and it will provide an internationally-focussed education, with a blend of Albanian and British curricula, for local students from years two to 13.

“Albania is a very small country, which is all the more reason for us to have a global outlook”

Kings Colleges in the UK and Kings pathway centres in the US will also provide graduates with the opportunity to progress to universities in the US and UK.

“We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues and students to the Kings global community,” Kings’ director Andrew Hutchinson said in a statement.

“Our partnership with Sapaud provides an opportunity to work with a new organisation who share our values and have a vision to bring quality international education opportunities to students in Albania.”

For Sapaud director Eda Basha, the partnership with Kings will allow the group to fulfil its ambitions to foster Albania’s international outlook.

“Albania is a very small country, which is all the more reason for us to have a global outlook,” she said in a statement.

“Our aim is to equip our young people with the awareness, knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever more international environment and to help them and Albania make the most of global opportunities. We are thrilled to have Kings as partners — they are enabling us to realise our ambitions.”

A launch ceremony in June was attended by local dignitaries including the assistant ambassador to the UK, and attracted local media coverage.

“There is significant interest in the school as it is such a new concept and has received a high profile in the local media,” Kings’ marketing director Andrew Green told The PIE.

Demand, he said, is likely to be very strong.

A director of studies and principal is in place and busy recruiting teachers and staff at the moment. Sapaud will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the school and for teachers’ contracts, Green explained.